(15874) 1996 TL66

Lore & Background

Discovered in 1996 by David C. Jewitt et al., (15874) 1996 TL66 was the first object to be categorized as a scattered-disk object (SDO), although (48639) 1995 TL8, discovered a year earlier, was later recognised as a scattered-disk object. It was considered one of the largest known trans-Neptunian objects at the time of the discovery, being placed second after Pluto. It came to perihelion in 2001. The Spitzer Space Telescope estimated this object to be about 575 kilometres in diameter, but 2012 estimates from the Herschel Space Observatory estimate the diameter as closer to 339 kilometres. It is not a detached object, since its perihelion is under the influence of Neptune. Light-curve-amplitude analysis suggests that it is a spheroid.

Reader's Guide

(15874) 1996 TL66 holds significance as the first object categorized as a scattered-disk object, marking a milestone in the classification of trans-Neptunian objects. Its discovery by David C. Jewitt et al. in 1996 expanded understanding of the outer Solar System's dynamical classes. The object's size remains uncertain, with Spitzer Space Telescope estimates in 2007 giving a diameter of about 575 km, while Herschel Space Observatory data in 2012 revised it downward to 339 km, reflecting a higher albedo. Its perihelion remains under Neptune's influence, distinguishing it from detached objects. Light-curve-amplitude analysis indicates a spheroidal shape with small albedo spots. At the time of discovery, it was considered the second-largest known trans-Neptunian object after Pluto, highlighting its early prominence in the field.

Did You Know?

• Its diameter estimates range from about 575 km (Spitzer) to 339 km (Herschel).
• Light-curve-amplitude analysis suggests it is a spheroid.